EXCELSIOR, Minn. -- The extreme string of heat didn't keep kids from doing camp-like things at Camp Tanadoona Wednesday.
Staff say they have 30 workers who specialize in heat safety. They said staff members got together to implement special plans in preparation for the week-long heat wave.
"These are our children, so we do everything to protect them and in the meantime, having just a blast at camp," said Marnie Wells, CEO of Camp Tanadoona.
The camp is emphasizing activities that take place in water and shade. The open grass field by the main entrance is usually busy with kids running and playing. The soccer goal remains empty until further notice.
In Blaine, the soccer goals are active, despite the heat.
"We are playing games," Barclay Kruse said from the Schwan's USA Cup. "We expect to finish our games today."
The huge youth tournament had to suspend about 25 total games this past week due to heat. Kruse said the tournament never had to suspend games due to heat in their history.
"It's probably the hottest day we've ever had at our tournament from a heat index standpoint," Kruse said.
15,000 athletes and coaches from around the world, and up to 25,000 fans are trying to stay cool. Although the field is covered in sun, there are mandatory water breaks for players and plenty of air-conditioned buildings.
"If you talk to the coaches and teams, they'll want to keep playing," Kruse said. "We want to safeguard them, because they'll go at it."
The Schwan's USA Cup continues until Saturday afternoon.
The tournament reported six heat distress cases, but no hospital visits as of Wednesday afternoon.
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